What is it?
This is the biggest-hitting variation of BMW ’s ungainly 6 Series Gran Turimso. As such, it's an intriguing proposition, even if it is unlikely to rack up vast sales figures here in Europe, back-seat loving China being the main target market for a class of car that also includes the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 Sportback.
We’ve covered the 6 Series GT in considerable depth before – BMW not least by way of a full road test – but this is our first experience of the 640i on home soil. Because the chances of a M-division Gran Turismo are slim to non-existent, it's this model that tops the line-up, with a 335bhp twin-turbo straight-six petrol engine nesteld longitudinally under the bonnet.
Beneath it in the range sits a limited selection of powerplants. And don’t be fooled by BMW’s model taxonomy – the 630i that serves as an entry point is now a four-cylinder petrol turbocharged to develop 255bhp (not a six-cylinder, as the '3' would historically have suggested). The solitary diesel option comes in the form of a turbocharged straight-six tuned to 261bhp and 457lb ft of torque.
While the 640i also comes exclusively with BMW's full-time four-wheel-drive system – xDrive – you've got options with the suspension setup. As standard, the Grant Turismo is fitted with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle. Adaptive suspension costs £1670 and adds air suspension to the front axle; for your money the dampers will also now be adaptive, meaning the ride height can be dropped 10mm in Sport mode.
For £3340, the Executive Package includes all of the above and adds active roll bars and four-wheel steering, with the respective aims of improving body control and increasing agility.
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Can't help thinking the
Can't help thinking the German giants have got stuck in a rut of competing against each other in every segment, and now every micro segment, and feel they can't afford to give up with a few of these niche models in case their rivals steal 10000 sales a year.
I'd love to see the economics behind developing these niche products, yes they will sell a few, but enough to make it worthwhile, especially when to an extent they're cannibalising their own range?
Its really
just a Mondeo or Insignia for people with a badge complex, only uglier and far more expensive.
pity it is an ugly munter
very ugly a waste of space, cheap second hand